By Courtney Clark
On February 13, 2025, The Arc of Indiana and Self Advocates of Indiana celebrated 25 years of Valentine’s Day with the legislators, which has always been and continues to be a fun day for all of us not only does it give self advocates the opportunity to voice, our concerns to the people that pass the laws concerning us, but it Also gives us the opportunity to show them We are not just a number on a piece of paper, but a face whose lives depend on the vital services that they vote upon.
Valentine’s Day at the state house has always been an important day and this year was no different this year was even more important than ever before with decision decisions being made about Medicaid and other vital services that affect the disability community and with the entrance of a new administration it was crucially important for us to make our presents known and make sure the new administration knew what was important to us
As someone who has been a part of this event for 18 years, I must say that this year came with a sense of nervousness and uncertainty because because there are so many unknowns and newness felt and even though this event brings along with it, happiness and joy it also brought weight and seriousness, but it also showed me every renewed sense of compassion and passion for helping the disability community and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.
